Quincy Community Theatre welcomes David A. VanCleave as Guest Director for The Hobbit
David A. VanCleave will serve as the guest director for Quincy Community Theatre’s upcoming production of The Hobbit, running October 19-22, 2023.
A two-time Cloris Leachman Excellence in Theatre Arts Award nominee for his direction of Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical and RENT, VanCleave has directed Cabaret, I Never Saw Another Butterfly, James & the Giant Peach JR., School of Rock, 13, Little Women, Girls’ Weekend, and more.
David spent six years as Executive Artistic Director at Des Moines Young Artists’ Theatre and has worked as an educator with community theatres; elementary, middle, and high schools; colleges; and more. He earned his BFA in Theatre Arts/Directing from The Theatre School at DePaul University. David is the education coordinator and NewPlayFest dramaturg for AACT – American Association of Community Theatre, co-director of HOPE! Drama Troupe, and freelance director, dramaturg, and educator.
“I’m so excited to be working with Quincy Community Theatre for the first time,” said VanCleave. “The majority of my directing career has been with young actors, and I’m honored to bring that experience to Quincy, where there’s a clear dedication to education and the imagination.”
Auditions for The Hobbit are August 27-28, 2023. Students, grades 5 and up, and adults can sign up to audition at 1qct.org/auditions.
The Hobbit tells the story of Bilbo Baggins, Gandalf and Thorin Oakenshield on their legendary quest to reclaim the dwarves’ ancestral home from the sinister dragon Smaug. From the Shire, to the Battle of the Five Armies, to deep underground—where a twisted creature guards his “precious” ring—Bilbo’s journey through Middle-earth abounds with peril, unparalleled adventure, and a healthy helping of Hobbit humor.
“This will be my fourth journey to Middle-earth,” said David. “I made my theatre debut as a Goblin when I was 11 years old, played Tom the Troll when I was in high school, and produced an award-winning production in 2015. I love revisiting this story with student artists because Bilbo’s character journey is so inspiring. Nobody expects him to be this brave and noble hero, but he rises to the occasion and proves he is capable of far more than people expect. I think the same is true with young people; they are mighty, fierce, and capable of anything.”
Tickets for The Hobbit are $13. Flex season ticket holders may reserve their tickets starting Wednesday, September 13. Tickets will go on sale to the general public starting Monday, September 25. For more information, visit 1qct.org or call the QCT Box Office at 217-222-3209.
The Hobbit is sponsored by Refreshment Services Pepsi. QCT’s 2023 Season is sponsored by Gardner Denver.
